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Wayne Thornton: Plethora of camps, programs for all ages

By Wayne Thornton / Special to the Times

Posted:
06/19/2014 12:00:00 AM MDT

July is National Parks and Recreation Month and to help El Pasoans build spirit, teamwork, competition and create festive activities for the entire family, the El Paso Parks and Recreation Department has planned a plethora of camps and special programs.

"This year, the staff has stepped up in a big way in providing many opportunities for the public to partake in activities that are fun, brand new and low cost," said Tracy Novak, El Paso Parks and Recreation director.

One month out of the year is dedicated for that special spotlight highlighting truly innovative, exciting and special events that summarize in one year the positive impact that El Paso Parks and Recreation has on the thousands upon thousands of lives in El Paso, Mexico and the region.

This year, the national theme for Parks and Recreation Month is "Out is In" as a way of getting the message across to enjoy not only the indoors but to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, and to be active and stay active.

The month-long festival of events begins July 11 with a new, free event called "Out is In Zumba-thon at the Park," starting 8 a.m. at Pebble Hills Park, 3200 Fierro. On the same day, there will be the Older and Bolder Senior Sports Festival at Galatzan Park, 650 Wallenberg a 9 a.m.

There will also be a Garden 101 Workshop discussing rainwater harvesting for backyard gardening at the Multipurpose Recreation Center, 8831 Railroad.

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The final event of the day is the chance to bring those heavenly days of disco roller-skating back with a Teen Roller Neon Night at the popular northeast location, Nations Tobin Sports Center, 8831 Railroad. This event is from 6 to 10 p.m.

Other events include:

•Volunteer Clean-up Day: Volunteers play a huge part in all aspects of life. July 12, citizens are being asked to help clean up their city parks.

•Kids Olympic Outdoor Challenge: This free event will also take place July 12. This event is for children to test their athletic skills at 8 a.m. at Westside Community Park, 7400 High Ridge.

The final three new events of the month are creative and spectator friendly.

•Boomers and Gen Y Intergenerational Dance: The free event is at 7 p.m. July 17 at the San Juan Senior Center Placita, 5701 Tamburo Court.

•Four Corners volleyball tournament: Tournament played in the mud, water and on the grass at 9 a.m. July 18-20 at Pavo Real Recreation Center, 9301 Alameda. $35 per team.

• Aloha Family Barbecue: The love of the outdoors in the summer is even better with the scent of barbecue in the air. This barbecue is set for 6 p.m. to midnight, July 25 at Memorial Park, (Reserve Area), 1701 N. Copia. The fee is $5 per person.

Also taking place throughout July is an old dependable event, the free Melodies at the Park at Eastwood Park, 3001 Parkwood. At 7 p.m. July 6, Everyday People with music from the '70s and '80s will perform. The band will also perform at 7 p.m. July 13 at Veterans Park, 5301 Salem.

Sports also plays a big part in July with the city's private and public pool championships.

The top swimmers in the city as young as 6 will vie for the city championship over two separate weekends with the Gus and Goldie Summer Swim League Championships Event for Public Leagues on July 12 at the Pavo Real Aquatic Center, 9301 Alameda.

The Private League Championships will be July 19. The meets start at 8 a.m. with a nominal admission fee.

The most popular and longest running event of the annual celebration is the Family Outdoor Adventure Campout at 4 p.m. July 18 at 1701 N. Copia.

The camp runs until 10 a.m. July 19 and will include a mixture of swimming at Memorial Aquatic Center, late-night movies, and family oriented games.

The fee is $5 per child and $10 for an adult. Space is limited.

For more information on the above-mentioned events, go to the El Paso Parks and Recreation website at www.elpasotexas.gov/parks or call 544-0753.

Wayne Thornton works for the El Paso Department of Parks and Recreation and is a supporter of community events. He may be reached at 373-6708 or wlegend@elp.rr.com.